Improving brakes
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Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 34
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From: San Antonio, TX
Improving brakes
Soo I'm switching from a sport bike to my new Harley. With that said during my months of test riding I noticed that braking distance seems to be pretty long. Does anybody know of good performance brakes? Thanks guys
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 5,120
Likes: 17
From: Indiana
Really just give yourself more distance and you have to squeeze a lot harder then the rocket, plus double the weight. I've hit the brakes hard to check it out and you just gotta put more umph into it. You can also look at the dual disk set too! Not sure what needs to be done, but I know there is a thread out there.
Advanced
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 92
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What model are you considering? I haven't ridden most, but they're not all equal. The Wide Glide with the skinny wheel and a single front disc is not going to stop as well as the Fat Bob with the chubby front tire and twin discs up front.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
If your bike doesn't have them stock, fit twin discs. If you get taken in by the single disc better than two, then tough! Braided hoses help, as can alternative pads.
If stock twin discs are still not enough there are alternative calipers out there. I went over the top with 13" discs and 6-pot calipers. They are adequate!
If stock twin discs are still not enough there are alternative calipers out there. I went over the top with 13" discs and 6-pot calipers. They are adequate!
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 990
Likes: 10
From: Redondo Beach, California
I agree with grbrown 100%. You can purchase aftermarket high friction brake pads and ceramic rotors or other high friction material rotors in either semi-floating or full-floating layouts and there are also multi-diameter, multi piston calipers from a number of makers like Nissin and Performance Machine as well as the Brembos that were already mentioned. Dual rotors also offer more surface area then a single rotor setup. So altogether there are quite a few choices out there for you to consider to help make your motorcycle slow down faster in a shorter distance. While upgrading your brake pads and brake rotors and brake calipers, dont forget about upgrading your suspension too! Better rear shocks and better front forks will also help you to enjoy your road riding experience much more and although it wont be the same as your sport bike it will be a much more enjoyable ride than the stock Harley ride will be. Good luck with you decisions and ride safe out there.
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Joined: Jun 2006
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I put a Brembo caliper from a v-rod on my 06 superglide. Pretty cheap mod and stops great with one finger. Front end dive is the real problem with a stock bike, I have Racetech gold valve and springs in my forks.
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Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Los Angeles, CA
Pm calipers work well too, but I am sure the Brembo mod can be done less expensively. I also came from a sport bike background and it too quite a while to get used to stopping a heavier bike. It will never feel like a sport bike no matter what you try, at least that is my experience.